Deb Erickson, office manager at Forestville, says people
used to camping on Minnesota's North Shore are pleasantly surprised and
often ask why there are so few mosquitoes.

"All the parks are like that in southeast Minnesota,'' she says. "It's kind of strange, but very wonderful.''

There are plenty of private and municipal campgrounds, too; Sylvan Park and the Riverview campground in Lanesboro are choice spots.

And
remember that Minnesota state parks allow campsite reservations a year
in advance. So if you think you might to want to camp at this time next
year, be on the phone or on-line at 8 a.m. on the day you want to arrive next summer, 866-857-2757.